Does Gait Speed Replace Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in the Elderly

Summary Background Ageing is associated with generalized slowing of movement. Gait speed is an indicator of physical performance. The present study aimed to determine whether the gait speed could replace the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) to assess the status of the elderly. Methods 531 participants aged 60 or more years were recruited from inpatients and community population in this study. The CGA was performed, including sociodemographic information, neuropsychological assessment, nutritional status, social support and physical health assessment. Moreover, timed gait speed (m/s) was assessed over 20 m at a usual pace. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of gait speed was constructed to determine the optimal threshold of gait speed for CGA components. Results 285 (53.7%) participants had a low gait speed (gait speed ≤0.8 m/s). Gait speed was associated with age, some chronic diseases, disability, nutritional status, part of social support, multi-drug used, depression, mild cognitive impairment, length of hospital stay. ROC curve showed that the optimal threshold of gait speed between MCI and cognitive healthy individuals was 0.73 m/s (sensitivity: 67.6%, specificity: 68.3%). Conclusion Gait speed only reflects part of situations of the elderly. Thus, our present results do not support that gait speed may replace CGA to assess the status of the elderly.